Given that the Hammers were closing in on Alex Song and have subsequently signed him on a season-long loan deal, and Spurs failed to land Southampton’s Vincent Wanyama, there was a case that both clubs could have benefitted from the deal.

However, looking at it retrospectively, both teams should be glad that the switch did not happen.

For the Hammers, although Song’s addition will give Slaven Bilic more options in the heart of his midfield, the Senegalese enforcer is an integral member of the side.

Since signing for West Ham last summer the 25-year-old has been a crucial member of the side and continues to wield an influence over affairs - this will not change with Song’s inclusion.

For Spurs, there is certainly an argument to suggest that Mauricio Pochettino’s men could use a new central midfielder, but it is not one of Kouyate’s ilk.

With Eric Dier performing well as a defensive midfield pivot and Nabil Bentaleb sure to improve after a slow start to the new season, the North London team have enforcers to call upon in the boiler room.

On the other hand, with Ryan Mason not showing his best form for this club and a lack of creativity and vision from deep, the midfielder that Spurs need is someone more gifted on the ball rather than another destroyer.

Gareth McKnight

I am a freelance football journalist from Northern Ireland, currently living and working from Broome in Western Australia. After a degree in sports journalism from the University of Stirling in Scotland, I started in the online football world and have worked for leading websites and media outlets since. My knowledge and passion is based around the Premier League and European football, but I also have a soft spot for the Australian A-League.